ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TGS

Lead Operator

Missouri City, TX · On-site

Effectiveness of training programs, competency development, and team performance under Lead Operator guidance. * Accuracy and readiness of ROC asset inventory, including spares management and ...

GWST - Sarasota

Lead Operator

Sarasota, FL

$21 - $26/hr

Join EcoSouth as a Lead Operator and be a pivotal part of our mission to innovate and excel in the waste industry. You'll have the opportunity to lead equipment operations, ensuring everything runs ...

Solvenow Inc.

Lead Operator

Farmington, NM

Performs all the functions of the Operator, Operator II and Operator III. * Establishes and maintains effective sample procedures of plant operations for process control and effluent quality.

Rapid Resource Recruiters

Lead Operator

Richmond, IN · On-site

Company Description To operate Cardline that produce fiber products in a safe and efficient manner following standard operating procedures. Qualifications Minimum - High School Diploma and/or three ...

Republic Services

Lead Operator (Nights)

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Lead Operator ensures adherence to all accident prevention programs and leads operations to ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and other standards. The Lead Operator also maintains ...

Nestle

Lead Operator

Bohemia, NY · On-site

$22.36/hr

As a Lead Operator, you'll take charge of daily operations and help guide the team behind some of the world's most loved brands - delivering quality, care, and consistency in every product we make.

ONEOK, Inc

Lead Operator USW

Des Moines, IA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY Lead Operator USW in Des Moines, IA Performs activities related to the operation and maintenance of refined petroleum product pipelines and facilities. This position will be 12-hour ...

Novolex

Lead Operator

Lebanon, TN

$22.50/hr

The Lead assists the Production Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor in all manufacturing processes and procedures. Works in collaboration with employees, and management team to enforce safety and ...

Becton Dickinson

Lead Operator

Mannford, OK · On-site

Education and Experience Required: * 1-3 years Operator 3, Lead or equivalent experience * High School Diploma or GED * Must be able to comprehend and effectively communicate written and verbal ...

Oneok, Inc.

Lead Operator USW

Des Moines, IA · On-site

JOB SUMMARY Lead Operator USW in Des Moines, IA Performs activities related to the operation and maintenance of refined petroleum product pipelines and facilities. This position will be 12-hour ...

Viatris

Lead Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Can perform all of the duties of a Lead Operator Trainee, Line Operator I and II. * Performs Material Handler duties when necessary. * Assists in the training of temporaries and new employees to have ...

Viatris

Lead Operator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Can perform all of the duties of a Lead Operator Trainee, Line Operator I and II. * Performs Material Handler duties when necessary. * Assists in the training of temporaries and new employees to have ...

Republic Services

Lead Operator (Nights)

Indianapolis, IN

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Lead Operator ensures adherence to all accident prevention programs and leads operations to ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and other standards. The Lead Operator also maintains ...

Marie Leising & Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Prepress Lead Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Lead and supervise small group of prepress operators. * Participate in prepress operations as the Prepress Lead in the department. * Oversee production workflow, scheduling and staffing to ensure ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLead Operator Jobs

Lead Operator information

See salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

How does a Lead Operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.

What are Lead Operators?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

More about Lead Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Operator jobs? Cities with the most Lead Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Operator jobs? The most popular types of Lead Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Operator jobs are:
Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Lead Operator

Lead Operator

TGS

Missouri City, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

8921 South Sam Houston Parkway
West Suite 100
Missouri City, 77489, United States
Posting Start Date: 4/23/26
Field of Work: Other
Req Id: 610
TGS provides scientific data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. In addition to a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, TGS offers specialized services such as advanced processing and analytics alongside cloud-based data applications and solutions.
Purpose and Scope:
  • Apply advanced geophysical principles to nodal seismic data processing using TGS proprietary tools and workflows.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between vessel onboarding teams, office analysts, and client representatives to ensure seamless data delivery.
  • Provide clear technical guidance to onboard processing teams and define data processing procedures.
  • Lead departmental training efforts by overseeing, tracking, and implementing position-based training programs.
  • Support operational readiness through oversight of ROC asset organization, including spares and inventory management.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Execute seismic processing workflows, including QC checks, database generation, and use of tools such as WKG SeisSpace, PBS Administrator, and MapGrid.
  • Communicate technical reports and QC findings to internal teams and coordinate with clients on node, source, or QC-related inquiries.
  • Mentor, train, and evaluate team members, conducting competency assessments and supporting skill development.
  • Manage ROC asset organization, ensuring proper tracking, identification of spares, and inventory accuracy.
  • Modify or create processing flows to meet project specifications and client requirements.

Key Competencies and Skills:
  • Strong technical expertise in seismic theory, acquisition geometry, signal analysis, and nodal processing workflows.
  • Proficiency in Linux environments and scripting languages (Bash, Awk, Sed, Python) for data extraction and analysis.
  • Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring, coaching, and guiding team members through competency development.
  • High emotional intelligence with strong communication, facilitation, and situational leadership skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex data issues, multitask effectively, and work rotational shifts (10 hours, office).

Key Performance Metrics:
  • Quality, accuracy, and consistency of QC outputs, processing workflows, and database integrity.
  • Effectiveness of training programs, competency development, and team performance under Lead Operator guidance.
  • Accuracy and readiness of ROC asset inventory, including spares management and operational availability.
  • Timeliness and efficiency of data delivery, workflow execution, and issue resolution.
  • Compliance with QHSE standards and proactive leadership in maintaining a safe, high-performance work environment.

This job description is intended to explain the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
TGS is an equal opportunity employer.
If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about contributing to our team, we encourage you to submit your application by 02/17/2026.
TGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our application process for individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at hr@tgs.com.

Apply